A new sound has arrived that transcends music as we know it! Often artists are defined as pop, jazz, soul, or Latin. Most artists are solely singers, musicians, or composers… but what happens when you have a perfect blend of it all? You get a talent that comes around few times in a generation. You get Melody.
Being of Puerto Rican/Mexican decent, Melody grew up listening to many different Latin artists and is no stranger to Latin music. She grew up in a musical family, playing and singing in her family’s bilingual group. She has performed in front of thousands of people and has appeared on television and radio. Her musical skills increased in college where she began as an Oboe Performance major, but changed direction to Jazz Studies in which she completed her degree with a focus on saxophone and voice and the ability to play an array of instruments. Though educated in music, Melody captures the true and sincere soul of music not just its academic theories.
Melody has performed in North America, Latin America, and Europe and has appeared with artists such as Matt Harris, Steve Weist, Eric Marienthal, Bobby Shew, Bob Sheppard, Clay Jenkins, Steve Houghton, Phil Markowitz, John Pizzarelli, Mark Colby, Orbert Davis, Michael Davis, Patti Austin, Nnenna Freelon, Frank Caruso, Sissel, Josephine Lee with the Chicago Children’s Choir, Chicago Sinfonietta, Maestro Paul Freeman, Howard Shore (Lord of the Rings), Markus Huber, 4Him, Russ Lee, Steve Green, Dick and Melodie Tunney, Jody McBrayer, Kirk Sullivan, Don Wolfe, Anthony Evans, Avalon, Roger Breland and TRUTH, DeWitt Johnson, Kirk Franklin, Brett Eldredge, and Roger Ryan.
Melody is not just a great talent but a wonderful person. Her music is an expression of who she is. A Chicago native transplanted to Nashville, Melody has a love for all music. Her stylings are a compilation of all forms of music. Her passion for creativity never rests as she continues to explore new avenues in which to write. Her experiences are the essence of her writings and her love of people comes out in her performances and her music. Her original composition “Not Bound By You” reaches out to those who have been mistreated in their relationships and encourages them to break the bonds of unhealthy relationships. “Unexpected Love” is a tribute to her older brother and sister in-law and tells of the story of their beginnings. You will find her genuine in her music and a beauty in her voice that will sooth and challenge you. Her musical performance will surprise you as her mastery of the sax demonstrates a cross between Cannonball Adderly, Paquito D’Rivera, and Kenny G. Producer and friend, Grammy and Dove nominated, Roger Ryan (Whitney Houston, Wynonna Judd, Take 6, Bebe and Cece Winans) says “Melody is a gifted and talented artist with style. I’m fortunate to be a part of her musical journey. She’s going to be around for a long time.”
From a personal side, her friends and people who have met her will tell you that Melody is a true friend, one that people like to be around. There is no pretense to who she is. Her God given talent, though immense, keeps her humble and grounded and never pretentious, just one of those friends that you want to “hang out” with. Melody has a great sense of humor and is considered a true friend by many that can be confided in, possessing a genuine heart and unconditional love for those who enter her life.
